**State of the Story hits New York with Spike Lee, Tony Kushner, Candace Bushnell and more**

New York’s legendary Directors Guild of America Theater is about to become the epicenter of storytelling. On Sunday, October 5th, Storytelling360 and the Entertainment Community Fund will present the State of the Story Conference, with a powerhouse lineup that includes Tony Kushner, Lee Daniels, Candace Bushnell, Michael Arndt, Celine Song, Ed Burns, Michelle and Robert King—and a newly announced keynote Q&A with Spike Lee.

“The DGA Theater in NY, much like the WGA Theater in LA, is an iconic location for storytellers to gather and celebrate our craft,” says Storytelling360 founder Zack Gutin. “It’s an immaculate space in the heart of NY’s theater district where so much storytelling emanates from.”

The lineup and its purpose

This year’s roster blends film, TV, and theater heavyweights. Each is participating to support the Entertainment Community Fund, the organization founded in 1882 as The Actors Fund and chaired by Annette Bening.

“I have been overwhelmed by the positive response and involvement from so many incredible storytellers,” says Gutin. “Reaching out to them can feel intimidating, so it is rewarding how eager they’ve been to join. I believe it’s a sign of how much storytellers appreciate one another and having a shared community together.”

“The triumphs are evident by the names on the poster, each and every email that said YES.”

Why partner with the Fund

“Their support of the LA community during the January fires was where the first inspiration came from,” Gutin explains. “As an organization they represent many of the same values we do in hoping to encourage, inspire and support artists.”

What sets New York apart

“One thing we learned in LA was how much the storytelling community elsewhere wanted to be involved,” says Gutin. “New York was a natural next stop. This event will have more emphasis on publishing, theater and independent film… reflective of the NY storytelling balance compared to LA’s studio-heavy environment.”

“New York was a natural next stop.”

The state of storytelling today

“Persistence. That the only form of failure is to quit. Storytelling never goes out of style and has no age limit,” Gutin says. “The tools evolve—from oral tradition to quill and paper, to typewriters and computers. The vehicles evolve, the storyteller is always driving.”

“Storytelling never goes out of style and has no age limit.”

The need for live storytelling

“They are necessary, now more than ever,” Gutin insists. He cites Eric Roth’s words after delivering his LA keynote: “They should do more of this… one thing as writers we work so solitary, we don’t get much chance to talk to other writers.”

“Storytellers need to gather with one another.”

For emerging creators

The goal is to leave attendees with inspiration, direction, and a stronger network.

“Inspiration, a sense of newly focused direction, and building their community.”

On Spike Lee and the headliners

“The audience are going to hear from the best storytellers in this industry and will hear practical insights about craft and creative process that hopefully sharpen their own storytelling methods.”

Behind the curtain

Even the rejections have been affirming. “The ones that say NO have been very encouraging and based more on schedule conflicts as opposed to any lack of enthusiasm for the concept. That excites me about our future.”

What’s next for Storytelling360

The series is scaling globally. “We have announced London for July 12, 2026 and will announce 2026 dates for LA and NY as well. We have also launched our online community, included with any live or virtual recording ticket, which allows access to rewatch, learn and discuss.”

“The learning and networking opportunities will grow to anywhere storytellers are: which is everywhere.”

Event information and tickets are available at Storytelling360.com.